THE parents of a 14-year-old rape victim today pleaded: "Help us find this monster."
In a desperate appeal for people to come forward with information, they described how their pretty, bubbly daughter has become a virtual recluse.
The carefree, confident Swindon teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, used to play rap music in her bedroom at full blast and sing into a hairbrush.
But now she sits in silence still in shock from the horrific attack, which took place on September 13.
The girl's mother, 38, said: "Our happy daughter has been stolen. She is not the same. This monster needs to be caught so he cannot strike again."
Recounting the nightmare, her distraught parents revealed how they found their girl covered in blood and crying her eyes out.
Standing in the doorway after the incident, she sobbed: "I've been raped, mum."
The tragedy began on a Friday night when the victim was out socialising with six friends by the flower park in Hilary Close, Penhill, at around 8.45pm.
Innocently chatting, the teenage crowd were approached by a dark haired youth, aged about 17, on a silver mountain bike.
Using the name John James, he engaged the group in conversation. Flattered by his attention, the victim started walking away from the park.
Within 100 yards of her friends, she was raped.
The ordeal lasted less than 15 minutes but will torture this girl and her family for the rest of their lives.
Her concerned friends found the victim shortly after the attack, as the rapist rode off.
Her mother said: "Some lads had called round saying she had been attacked. When she arrived with blood smeared on her face, it was unbelievable. I was numb with shock."
She is filled with contempt for the man who has turned their daughter into a stranger.
"I absolutely hate the man," she said. "From being outgoing and full of life, our daughter has become withdrawn and agitated."
Unable to face the trauma, the victim has refused to have counselling and is scared to leave the house.
She said: "Our girl is so isolated, she even avoids eye contact."
Equally devastated, the father, 40, appealed for help from the public.
He prayed for anyone else to be spared their agony.
He said: "You cannot imagine so much pain is possible, until it happens to you. We will not rest until the rapist is caught."
The culprit, who has a pierced eyebrow, was wearing a green hooded top and dark coloured baseball cap.
Detective Sergeant Mike Rees, who is in charge of the investigation, said: "We still think the man is local and urge anyone who recognises him to come forward."
Anyone with information should contact the Police on: Swindon 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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